FORMER Manchester United goalkeeper Ricardo Lopez has been cleared of common assault after being charged with attacking a member of an ambulance crew.

Lopez, 34, who moved back to Spain last summer, was accused of shoving ambulance technician Peter Lake over a stretcher as he dealt with a casualty.

The charge of common assault arose over an incident at Heddy's restaurant, Wilmslow, in the early hours of January 9 last year.

A group of eight people, including United's Gabriel Heinze and his wife, were out celebrating Ricardo's wife's birthday.

Also in the group was restaurant owner Heddy Ghazizadeh and his wife Catherine. At about 3.45am, Mr Ghazizadeh tripped and fell down the stairs in the restaurant, breaking an arm and knocking himself unconscious.

An ambulance was called and it was alleged Ricardo pushed Mr Lake three times, leaving him with a bad back and post traumatic stress disorder. It was alleged he was unable to work for several months and was unable to return to front line duties.

At Macclesfield Magistrates Court, Lopez admitted putting his hand on Mr Lake's back, but only to encourage him to go faster. He denied allegations of using abusive language or shaking his fist at him.

On Friday, magistrates acquitted Lopez more than 12 months after the alleged incident, saying that Mr Lake's evidence was "inconsistent and not backed up by medical evidence."

Chairman of the bench Bridget Brooks said: "The physical contact did not amount to the criminal offence of common assault. We therefore find Ricardo Lopez not guilty."

Lopez's solicitor, Aida Carr, said afterwards: "Ricardo is delighted at the verdict and happy the magistrates gave careful attention to his evidence."

An ambulance service spokesman said: "Public officers must be allowed to go about their duties without interference. We will continue to support our staff. The matter is now a private matter between Mr Lake and his lawyers."